Billy Porter in Concert at Hartwood Acres; Arts Festival on Walnut Street Continues (Sun., 8/27/17)

1) The Allegheny County Summer Concert Series features a diverse concert mix with offerings in rock, jazz, funk, classical, and more. Now it’s time for the multi-faceted entertainer Billy Porter. Porter, best known for his Tony Award-winning role as Lola in the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots,” is a Pittsburgh native. He attended Pittsburgh CAPA and then Carnegie Mellon University for drama. Porter has had a variety of roles over his career in Pittsburgh and New York. He started out with an ensemble called Flash, which performed during the summer at Kennywood Park. He went on to various roles in Pittsburgh and New York including one that he wrote and cast himself in, the autobiographical Ghetto Superstar (The Man That I Am). His love of singing has always been an important part of his life and career. His first album, Billy Porter, was released back in 1997. Porter’s fourth album, Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richard Rodgers, came out this year.  7:30 p.m. Hartwood Acres Amphitheater, 4070 Middle Rd., Allison Park. 

2) The Art Festival on Walnut Street takes over the main thoroughfare in the popular Pittsburgh neighborhood of Shadyside and is celebrating its 21st Anniversary. Enjoy beautiful and interesting works of art created by some of the best local and national artists. While there treat yourself to a tasty meal and some beverages at a Walnut Street eatery including The Steel Cactus, Pamela’s, Cappy’s, Cafe Moulin, Mercurio’s, China Palace, Girasole, Le Madis Gras, Le Feria, Mario’s Eastside Saloon, The William Penn Tavern, The Yard, Sushi Two, and Pallantia. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ends today. Free. Walnut Street between Aiken and Negley Avenues.

3) If one has several good friends to share the journeys of life with, that is a treasure to be cherished. The Dixie Swim Club is a story that’s centered on that theme. The play, written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, follows five remarkable women, who first met one another while members of their college swim team. They meet for a long weekend each summer at the same beach cottage on the Outer Banks. There they “catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives.” The Dixie Swim Club focuses on four specific weekends over a 30-year period. The play humorously chronicles the women’s support for one another through life’s ebbs and flows. 2 p.m. Runs through September 2. Apple Hill Playhouse, 275 Manor Rd., Delmont.

Share on Social Media